Gubernatorial candidates couldn't agree on where to debate in Flint

FLINT, MI-- Michigan gubernatorial candidates Gretchen Whitmer and Bill Schuette will meet for two televised debates in October, but neither will be taking place in Flint.

Both candidates publicly expressed interest in having a televised debate in Flint, but neither candidate could agree on where in the city to have it.

According to Shuette's campaign team, the Republican candidate accepted a Flint debate with WEYI in August, but Whitmer's team wouldn't agree to debate there.

"Bill wanted four debates including Flint," John Sellek, Schuette's senior strategist wrote in an email. "In the end Whitmer only agreed to two debates and those are the two debates we have announced in Detroit and Grand Rapids."

Whitmer's press secretary, Nicole Simmons, stated in an email the Democratic Senator pushed hard for a town hall debate in Flint so that residents could have an opportunity to ask questions face to face, but Schuette's team declined debating there.

"Unfortunately, the Schuette campaign refused to participate in a town hall debate where the attorney general would have to answer tough questions from real people about why he signed off on the Flint water plan that poisoned the city's water with lead," Simmons stated. "Or why he ignored 15 different complaints from local residents, including the one from Rep. Neeley."

State Representative for the 34th District Sheldon Neeley wrote a letter on Sept. 25 asking both candidates to reconsider a debate in Flint after their debate schedule failed to include the city.

"Our country and the world witnessed this tragedy unfold and the world should bear witness to the recovery starting with a new political era and our new governor to be," Neeley said in his request for a Flint debate. "These candidates have to be a lighthouse of hope that ensures a restoration of confidence in Michigan when they're elected."

The first debate will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the WOOD studios in Grand Rapids and will be moderated by Rick Albin.

The second debate will be from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at WDIV studios in Detroit and will be moderated by Kimberly Gill and Devin Scillian.

Both campaigns stated that while they won't be debating in Flint, the two debates they could agree on will be televised so the residents of Flint can watch them.

Questions for both debates will be determined by moderators and both candidates will be able to give opening and closing statements.